Half collision studies of inelastic energy transfer processes

A new method is being developed for exploring inelastic collisional energy transfer events. These experiments rely on examining the unimolecular dissociation dynamics of OH-Rg vdW (Van der Waals) complexes in the Chi squared Pi and Alpha squared Sigma (+) states. The inelastic half collision transfers vibrational (and/or rotational) excitation, initially localized in OH internal motions, to translational recoil of the separating fragments and rotational excitation of OH. The collision partners start at close range and separate along the same potential energy surface sampled in full collisions. The complete determination of the internal state distribution of the products will allow the potential energy surface for the OH-rare gas interaction to be fully defined. The nascent rotational state distribution of the OH fragment is expected to reflect the final interaction between OH and the rare gas atom. Comparisons will be made between full and half collision dynamics in both the Chi and Alpha states.